The endorsement is the first from a member of the governing
body that Wilson or his opponent, Jules Bailey, will join if they win the May
election.

The announcement is big news for Wilson, a longtime county
volunteer with no political experience who is vying to represent inner Southeast
and West Portland on the county board against third-term state Rep. Jules
Bailey, D-Portland.

Bailey's won some high-profile endorsements early in the
race, including support from former Gov. Barbara Roberts, Portland City
Commissioner Steve Novick, and Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.

McKeel, who is also out sick on Thursday, announced her endorsement via
an email from Wilson's campaign.

"He is a proven problem solver," McKeel said in the email.
"Having worked on issues from bridges to libraries, Brian knows how to bring
communities together and address tough issues."

She and Wilson became acquainted when he served on the
county's 2010 charter review commission, and they worked together on campaigns
to pass library levies in 2012.

None of McKeel's fellow commissioners have made an
endorsement in the District 1 race. County Chair Marissa Madrigal and
Commissioners Liesl Wendt and Judy Shiprack all said they would not make an
endorsement.

"I'm going to be happy to work with
whichever candidate gets elected," Shiprack said.

Commissioner Loretta Smith, who is out sick, was not available for
comment on Thursday.